ANTH 3710 - Human Osteology and Skeletal Identification (with Lab)

Content: The human skeleton is a dynamic and living biological system essential to life as we know it. It provides support and protection for vital soft tissues of the body, allows us to move, and acts as the production and storage site of cells and nutrients essential to our continued survival. Moreover, with rare exception, human skeletal remains provide the only direct evidence we have of past peoples’ lives, including their anatomy, evolution, behavior, and health. In this class we will 1) explore historical and contemporary ethical dilemmas facing biological anthropologists; 2) use skeletal morphology and anatomical landmarks to identify all 206 bones and 32 permanent teeth of the human body and distinguish them from non-human animal remains; 3) contextualize the skeleton within a functional anatomical context to understand how relevant soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, etc.) work with the skeleton to facilitate real-life function; and 4) understand the biology, growth and development, and biomechanics of the human skeletal system. This multi-faceted approach to human osteology will provide a holistic foundation of osteological knowledge relevant to a variety of academic and applied disciplines, including bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology, paleoanthropology, paleopathology, dental anthropology, comparative anatomy, medicine, dentistry, kinesiology, veterinary science, as well as many others.

Taught: Annually

Prerequisite: ANTH 1160

Note: Students must concurrently register for a lecture and a corresponding 0-credit lab section of this course.

Credits: 4